Apple Closes iPhone Unlock Loophole

Apple has modified its iPhone financing terms, impacting buyers who previously utilized carrier installment plans to obtain unlocked devices. An update to the iPhone selling FAQs now clarifies that iPhones financed through the AT&T Installment Plan, T-Mobile Equipment Installment Plan, or Verizon Device Payment Program will be locked to the respective carrier until completely paid off. This change removes a previous flexibility that allowed customers to finance a device with one carrier and use it with another.

This adjustment means that customers seeking an unlocked iPhone will need to pursue alternative purchasing methods. Buying directly from Apple, including its own payment plans, will still result in an unlocked device. Similarly, iPhones purchased from third-party retailers are expected to be unlocked, though buyers should verify seller details. While these alternatives offer unlocked phones, they may not include the discounts or rebates sometimes offered by carriers when signing up for their plans.